The celebrations, which were timed to mark the start of spring, culminated with robed priests pouring clarified butter - called ghee - onto open fires in a ritual called a Yajna, and the guests throwing different colours at each other.

Two women greet each other during the holy hindu ritual. Credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Mr Tanna estimated around 10,000 people attended the festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor, near Radlett in Hertfordshire.